Mohammed Salah is a doubt for Egypt’s AFCON clash with South Africa after missing training.
Egypt are into the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations after topping their group with three wins out of three.
However, the Pharaohs have been largely criticised by supporters who are unimpressed with the style of play – despite no goals being conceded.
Many believe that this side is nowhere near the quality of previous squads that won three successive tournaments between 2006 and 2010.
Salah would be a monumental absentee for the north African outfit – who scored two goals in the group stage.
The Liverpool forward has had a cold and was told by Egypt coach Javier Aguirre not to “worsen his condition” by training.
South Africa, on the other hand, only qualified from their group for being the best ranked third-placed side.
However, their group stage campaign was hugely unimpressive – winning just once in a narrow 1-0 victory over Namibia.
Egypt are the host nation this year and with the match set to go ahead in Cairo, Bafana Bafana boss Stuart Baxter believes the pressure is on them.
“The fact that we’re playing against the home nation is inspiring,” said Baxter.
“Knowing the Egyptian people, knowing their passion for football, knowing their expectations are very high, knowing that they have some great players, I believe that the pressure would be more on them.
“We know that we will have to play very, very well because this is a good Egyptian team and they will have massive support.
“It’s our job to bring maybe some frustration. If we can do that and the crowd become a little bit impatient, the players will feel that on the field.”
Egypt are among the favourites to win the competition for a record eighth time.
They take on South Africa on Saturday night, with current holders Cameroon set to kick off earlier than them against Nigeria.
On Friday, Morocco take on Benin and Uganda will play Senegal – with Salah’s club team-mate Sadio Mane looking to make history for his country.
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